Web 2.5: The vision of the future needs a plan for the now

Abstract

For the internet of value (Web 3) to occur, systemic adoption thresholds must be met through reintermediation. In this paper reintermediation and the proceeding network of trust established by it are defined as Web 2.5. This definition is evaluated considering the current fiat access standard and on a conceptual basis within a Web 3 framework. Although there are other Web 2.5 use cases, it is argued here that fiat access is the most urgent. The reason is that users cannot plausibly adopt Web 3 through unreliable (or non-existent) mediums. Enter the banking sector. Banks have an apparent reason to be involved in the process. Secondly, in terms of market opportunity, banks can engage a ±US$1.19tn emerging market. Ultimately, the paper argues that viable Web 2.5 solutions are any solution that amplifies the adoption of blockchain technology towards the progression of a zero-knowledge economy (Web 3). Further, since zero-knowledge solutions will always be incomplete in a socio-economic society, it is demonstrated here that there will always be a need for a Web 2.5 network of trusted intermediaries to facilitate and maintain Web 3 long after its arrival. The paper concludes by recommending different areas of research and exploration.